Video: Making a Waterproof Marine Terminal Connector
February 8, 2018
In the accompanying video, New England Boating’s Tom Richardson shows how to make a waterproof terminal connector for marine applications. Here are the basic steps involved:
Step 1
Select the proper gauge wire based on the wire length and amperage needs. Always use marine-grade, tinned-copper wire.
Step 2
Remove ¼” of the wire insulation.
Step 3
Select the proper size ring connector for the wire. Ring connectors are preferred over spade connectors as they cannot be pulled off the terminal. Also, use connectors featuring epoxy-coated heat shrink tubing.
Step 4
Slide the end of the wire into the connector and crimp using a crimping tool that applies even pressure to both sides of the sleeve.
Step 5
Test the connection by tugging on the end of the wire.
Step 6
Use a heat gun to apply even heat to the heat shrink tubing. Heat until the epoxy bubbles out the end of the sleeve.